Aligote White Wine Grape: 10 Alluring Bottles, Prices

The Aligote white grape variety produces dry white wines with crisp acidity and elegant floral and citrus notes. 

The grape is widely planted in Burgundy, France, but it’s also produced in smaller quantities in Eastern Europe and other countries across the globe. 

Aligote is a key grape variety in the Cremant de Bourgogne sparkling wines and can be used as an ingredient in the Kir cocktail alongside crème de cassis liqueur. 

In this article, we’ll cover the grape’s origins, wine regions, the top 10 bottles every wine lover should try, food pairings, investment opportunities, and vinification.

The Origin of the Aligote Grape Variety

The Aligoté grape is a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir and shares similarities with the Chardonnay grape.

It was first planted in the Burgundy wine region during the 17th century. 

However, in the late 19th century, phylloxera destroyed most Aligote vines in Burgundy, and they were replaced by Chardonnay vines. 

In 1937, the Aligoté grape received recognition, and the Bourgogne Aligoté appellation (located in Eastern France) was created.

The Aligoté vine is also referred to as Aligotay, Selon Molon, Blanc de Troyes, Carcairone Blanc, and more. 

Aligote Wine Regions

Apart from the Bourgogne Aligoté appellation in Eastern France, the Aligoté vine is also planted along the edges of Côte Dor, Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise, and the Bouzeron appellation. 

There are also small plantations east of the Rhone Valley and in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

A few other countries grow the Aligote grape and use it in wine blends and sparkling wines:

• Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova

• Central Europe: Switzerland

• United States: California and Washington 

• Other countries: Canada and Chile

Fun fact: A group of French producers and wine lovers have created the Les Aligoteurs Aligote advocacy group, which aims to popularize Aligote around the world.

Top 10 Aligote Wines To Buy In 2022

Here are 10 Aligote wines from different regions across the globe that every wine lover should try:

• 2014 Leroy Domaine d'Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet
• 2019 Coche-Dury Bourgogne Aligote
• 2015 Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote
• 2014 Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bouzeron
• Curtea Regala Vinuri de Macin 'Curtea Regala' Aligote
• 2019 Domaine les Faunes Aligote
• 2019 Blind Corner Aligote 
• 2016 Domaine Jean Fournier Bourgogne Aligote Champ Forey 
• 2017 Chateau des Charmes Estate Bottled Aligote 
• 2017 Ernest Vineyards 'Edaphos' Barbed Oak Vineyard Aligote

1. 2014 Leroy Domaine d'Auvenay Bourgogne Aligote Sous Chatelet ($9,107)

This pale gold Burgundy wine has a buttery, brioche aroma and a palate that offers powerful oak notes, an array of citrus fruits, and zesty acidity. 

2. 2019 Coche-Dury Bourgogne Aligote ($386)

Almost translucent in color, this 2019 vintage reveals a seductive nose of perfumed honey, lychee, and white flowers. The palate is electric and offers intense lemon flavors and lingering acidity.

3. 2015 Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote ($660)

This zesty white wine has a citrus fruit aroma with floral notes. There are green apple and lemon flavors and hints of minerality on the palate.

4. 2014 Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bouzeron ($49)

The Domaine de Villaine Aligote opens with an intense creamy aroma and offers ripe apple and peach notes on the palate. You’ll also notice a long finish with mineral notes.

5. Curtea Regala Vinuri de Macin 'Curtea Regala' Aligote ($7)

Flinty green in color, this Aligote bursts open with a complex bouquet of elderflower aromas. The palate has a floral freshness with acacia accents and delicious mineral notes.

6. 2019 Domaine les Faunes Aligote ($14)

Produced in Switzerland, this medium-bodied wine has a powerful apple aroma with hints of white flowers. The palate has refreshing acidity and mild oak notes.

7. 2019 Blind Corner Aligote ($42)

This fine Australian wine reveals an aromatic green apple nose. On the palate, there’s an intense freshness and buttery vanilla flavors. 

8. 2016 Domaine Jean Fournier Bourgogne Aligote Champ Forey ($23)

This dry white wine has a citrus-driven nose and a creamy palate with peach flavors. Match this delicious wine with spicy chicken pasta.

9. 2017 Chateau des Charmes Estate Bottled Aligote ($11)

This fresh and bright Canadian white wine is well-balanced with rich pear and yellow apple flavors. Try this vintage with a creamy seafood dish. 

10. 2017 Ernest Vineyards 'Edaphos' Barbed Oak Vineyard Aligote ($35)

Canary gold in color, this white wine has a refreshing texture and rich yellow apple and honeycomb aromas. You’ll also notice lush lemon curd flavors and clean acidity on the palate. 

Aligote Food Pairings

Aligote wines can be enjoyed as an aperitif or accompaniment to a light lunch or barbecue. 

These wines pair excellently with any seafood dish, especially oysters and shellfish. Other recommendations include poultry, roast pork, and aged cheese.

Should You Invest in Aligote Wines?

If you want to invest in fine wines, you can partner with a reliable wine investment company like Vinovest. With their AI-based platform, you can easily buy, store, and sell any fine wine.

Most Aligote wines are best enjoyed young. But the Aligote wines that come from Burgundy have good aging potential of up to seven years.

These Bourgogne wines also show stellar price appreciation. The 2014 Leroy Domaine d'Auvenay Bourgogne Aligoté Sous Chatelet price increased by a whopping 982%, from $698 in 2020 to $7,557 in 2022. 

Additionally, Bourgogne Aligote bottles perform decently at auctions. For example, 18 bottles of Arnaud Ente, Aligoté 2016, were sold for $1,375 at a Christie’s auction in 2019.

How Is Aligoté Wine Made?

Here are the steps in the Aligote winemaking process:

• Pressing: The grapes are harvested from the vines and then pressed using a bladder press.

• Fermentation: The fermentation process is carried out in stainless tanks where the sugar in the wine is converted to alcohol. 

• Malolactic Fermentation: The primary fermentation process is followed by malolactic fermentation, transforming malic acid into lactic acid. 

• Racking: The wine is moved from one tank to another to clarify it and remove the must.

• Aging: The wine is matured on its lees in stainless steel tanks for 10–12 months. 

Add An Exquisite Bottle Of Aligote Wine To Your Collection

Aligote is the second most popular white grape variety in Burgundy after Chardonnay. 

The grape is also prized globally for its ability to bring acidity, bright aromas, and richness to less-structured wines. 

So, if you’re looking for a delicate dry white with delicious stone fruit flavors and fruity acidity, Aligote is a great choice.

Whether you’re looking for a fine Bourgogne Aligote, Chenin Blanc, or Sauvignon Blanc, you can get all your favorite wines through Vinovest today!